In recalling the impact that Asian American Studies has had on her thinking, blogger Jenn Fang says she was also angry when she realized how rare those lessons were in textbooks and classrooms throughout the country.

"Here we are as a group of people who don't know our own history, and if that's what the Asian-American identity is, then that is essential," Fang told NBC News. "When we don't know our history, we've entirely lost our voice."

"Life Stories" is part of "NBC Asian America Presents...," a new video channel that will feature documentaries centered around themes and voices found in Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.